Sestertius - Marcus Aurelius (TR P XVIII IMP II COS III S C; Mars) (163-164) front Sestertius - Marcus Aurelius (TR P XVIII IMP II COS III S C; Mars) (163-164) back
Sestertius - Marcus Aurelius (TR P XVIII IMP II COS III S C; Mars) (163-164) photo
© American Numismatic Society (ANS)

Sestertius - Marcus Aurelius TR P XVIII IMP II COS III S C; Mars

 
Bronze 28.1 g 32 mm
Description
Issuer
Rome › Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD)
Emperor
Marcus Aurelius (Marcus Aurelius Antoninus) (161-180)
Type
Standard circulation coin
Years
163-164
Value
1 Sestertius = ¼ Denarius
Currency
Denarius, Reform of Augustus (27 BC – AD 215)
Composition
Bronze
Weight
28.1 g
Diameter
32 mm
Shape
Round (irregular)
Technique
Hammered
Demonetized
Yes
Updated
2024-10-06
References
Numista
N#263564
Rarity index
95%

Reverse

Mars, helmeted, in military dress, standing right, holding vertical spear in right hand and resting left hand on round shield set on ground.

Script: Latin

Lettering: TR P XVIII IMP II COS III S C

Translation:
Tribunicia Potestate Octava Decima, Imperator Secundum, Consul Tertium. Senatus Consultum.
Holder of tribunician power for the 18th time, supreme commander (Imperator) for the second time, consul for the third time. Decree of the senate.

Comment

Example of this type:
American Numismatic Society (ANS)

Source:
Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)

Interesting fact

The Sestertius coin features an image of Mars, the Roman god of war, on its reverse side. This is fitting, given that Marcus Aurelius, the emperor depicted on the obverse side, was known for his military campaigns and conquests during his reign. In fact, Marcus Aurelius' reign is often referred to as the "Golden Age" of the Roman Empire, marked by significant military victories and territorial expansion.